Top 19 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Reviews In 2020

Home » Cookware » Top 19 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Reviews In 2020

Top 20 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Reviews In 2020

By Wylie Dufresne // Last Updated May 20, 2020 , 3:05 pm (UTC)

Stainless-steel is one of the safest food-grade materials in cooking equipment while the price is much cheaper than ceramic. That’s why it has been extremely popular so far.

But did you know about the diverse types of this material and which is the best stainless-steel cookware for your needs? Which is the most durable or suitable for people with allergies? If not yet, let me help you.

Top 19 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Reviews In 2020

Best overall quality cookware

Cuisinart 89-11 Stainless Steel Cookware

Cuisinart started manufacturing home appliances in the United States in 1971 and currently has been the property of Conair Corporation. This 89-11 11-Piece set is one of their bestsellers so far and comes with a lifetime warranty.

What caught my attention to this in the first place is the PowerBond™ high-impact bonded base for unbeatably quick heating-up and consistent heat distribution while retaining superior durability.

In fact, it holds up well in 500 degrees F and is induction compatible. Both pans and pot can also work in multiple stovetops like gas, halogen, glass, and more.

A good thing is the handles don’t get hot, even when at high temperatures. They’re also full of grip and comfortable to hold, which is easy to move around with food inside.

Pros

Reliable & trustworthy – Made by the world’s top manufacturer & provided a lifetime warranty

Farberware 75653 Stainless Steel Cookware

Beginning in 1900, Farberware is an OG in the kitchen appliances and cookware realm.

Designed with everyday cooking performance and convenience in mind, the 75653 Millennium Stainless Steel Cookware 10-Piece Set includes the basic pans needed to equip your kitchen.

By fully encapsulating a thick aluminum core, it holds onto heat really fast to make cameral like a breeze and achieve nicely golden-brown chicken. A great thing is you can use this on any cooktop, whether induction or glass, and it is also oven-safe up to 500 degrees F.

While giving you a superior cooking performance, I believe its professionally-styled polished design with gentle tulip shaped bodies will be a greatly classic accent in your kitchen décor.

Anolon 30822 Stainless Steel Cookware

The Anolon 30822 is durable tri-ply cookware set for you to benefit from not just professional-quality performance but also a brilliant shine.

Just like other Analon Tri-Ply Clad collection, this is oven-safe to 500 degrees F and dishwasher-friendly for low maintenance. But what sets it apart is the 18/0 stainless steel material, meaning for nickel-free. In other words, this is a great set for people with allergies.

As the base is made of aluminum, heat contribution isn’t a matter to this cookware set.

The cooking is definitely faster with full control and somehow it helps save more fuel in the long term. Medium is the way to go for this set of pots and pans.

Clean up has been fairly easy so far. Even when it gets some stains or burnt inside, just 20 minutes of soaking it in dishwashing liquid is enough to remove all.

Pros

The safest, Ideal for people with allergies to nickel – 18/0 stainless steel material

Calphalon Signature Stainless Steel Cookware

The Calphalon Signature Set indulges your culinary passion with cookware by providing everything that can do it all, from simmering, roasting, frying, and more.

It features 10 pieces made of 18/10 stainless steel material with triple-layer aluminum core, a wide range of pots and pans’ sizes, and separate lids for each. Particularly, there are 5 layers of metal for more precise temperature control and even heating.

As created to be oven-safe to 500 degrees F, you can use any piece of this set in the oven, under a broiler, or on any cooktop, including the induction stoves.

At whichever temperature range, rest the heart that its handles won’t heat up to burn your hands. That said, always remember to dip it in cold water before washing.

Pros

More precise temperature control and even heating – 5 layers of metal

Convenient and customizable to use – Separate lids for each piece of cookware

Safe – the handles don’t get hot while cooking

Cons

Swirly discolored looks after several cooks

Product Specs

Type of stainless-steel

18/10

Core material

aluminum

Lids

Tempered glass

Weight

29.6 pounds

Dimensions

23.5 x 13.5 x 13 inches

Set includes

Featuring an 8-inch and 10-inch omelet pan, 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with covers, 3-quart sauté pan with cover and an 8-quart stockpot with cover

Highlight features

Best value for money cookware

Cuisinart MCP-12N Stainless Steel Cookware

Get scared off by the cracked lids or discolored cooking surface of your cookware? With this Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel Cookware Set, just worry-free.

While giving a separate lid for each piece, all of them are made of stainless steel to be oven-safe up to 550 degrees F, in addition to the tapered rims to prevent drip efficiently when pouring. One special thing is these lids are tight-fitting, which means they keep in nutrients, flavors, and natural juices for healthier results.

The Triple-Ply construction is another big bonus, as it provides a pure aluminum core for unparalleled heat distribution to hence eliminate hot spots like a dream.

The additional polished finish in the inner side, on the other hand, prevents discoloring and reacting with alter flavors or food, which is extremely safe to use.

Pros

No cracked lids – lids are made of stainless steel that’s oven-safe to 550 degrees F

The Sous Chef Stainless Steel Cookware

I was curious to see if The Sous Chef was worth its exorbitant price.

In my tests, both pans and pot heated amazingly evenly and didn’t discolor when overheating. The biggest bonus is while other cookware sets are imported (mostly from Thailand, Vietnam, or China), this is 100% made in the USA and Italy so it ensures the quality.

A persuasive proof is the 5-ply stainless steel construction.

The outer layer is made of 403 stainless steel and the top one is 304 18/10 for extra durability so they’re induction compatible and oven-safe up to 800 degrees F.

Regardless, The Sous Chef kit is widely used in many top restaurants across the USA, such as Fabian von Hauske, Jeremiah Stone, Brooke Williamson, Tom Colicchio, and more.

Pros

Superior heat contribution & no discoloring when overheating

Reliable & trustful – made in the USA and Italy & used by many famous chefs in the US

Ultra-durable – the 5-ply stainless steel construction

Cons

Very expensive

Should be kept away from other metal cookware

Product Specs

Type of stainless-steel

304 18/10 & 403 stainless steel

Core material

cladding

Lids

yes

Set includes

10″ Stainless Clad Frying Pan

10″ Non-Stick Frying Pan

12″ Stainless Clad Frying Pan

2 QT Saucepan with Lid

4 QT Saucepan With Lid

3.5 QT Saute Pan With Lid

8 QT Stock Pot With Lid

Highlight features

100% made in USA and Italy; 5-ply stainless steel construction; oven-safe up to 800 degrees F

All-Clad 8400001085 Stainless Steel Cookware

This US-made cookware kit is made of 5 alternating layers of stainless-steel bodies and aluminum core, bonded together all the way to the tight-fitting rims that match perfectly with a separate lid.

Therefore, it is drip-free pouring, warp-free strong, and even-heating throughout to be a perfect option for the passionate chef. Only medium heat is required for your simmering, sautéing, braising, and searings needs. In other words, it indirectly helps you save fuel in cooking.

Its proportion is my most favorite. The handles are uniquely designed with control and balance in mind that I found no tipping over, even in the smallest cookware.

Magma A10-360L-IND Stainless Steel Cookware

The Magma A10-360L-IND Cookware Set comes in 10 pieces, including a frying pan, a stockpot, and 3 saucepans with specifically designed dimensions for boats and RVs use with induction compatibility.

Storage isn’t a matter as well because it includes a bungee cord to conveniently secure everything in just under ½ cubic feet of space. While this set is created for outdoor use, rest the heart that it’s still dishwasher-friendly and oven-safe up to 500 degrees F without the handles.

Also glad that it is completely made of 18/10 stainless steel with mirror polish and encapsulated triple-clad aluminum bottom. Just a pity that there are no separate lids for each piece, they are interchangeable.

Anolon 75818 Stainless Steel Cookware

Based on the fact that copper is the best heat conductivity material in cooking, I gave this Anolon Pots and Pans Set a few rounds of tests to see how it would perform against the standard 3-ply cookware.

The results are as expected! It heated up fast as lightning that I had to swirl the pan several times when melting caramel to prevent it from burning, and the heat distribution is relatively even. Like other counterparts in this list, the set is dishwasher- and oven-safe.

All components are made with durably riveted handles and tight-fit stainless-steel lids that don’t get hot while cooking.

The whole set can handle in temperature of 500 degrees F and compatible with all cooktops, which is really multifunctional and super-convenient.

In addition, you’ve got a lifetime warranty for this whole cookware kit.

Hestan NanoBond Stainless Steel Cookware

This stainless steel cookware set will surely satisfy even the pickiest cooking enthusiasts.

The entire manufacturing process is conducted in Italy with chemical-free and environmentally friendly.

What makes it different from standard stainless steel cookware sets is the NanoBond™ technology bonds titanium-based alloys. Thanks for that, this cookware from Hestan highlights exceedingly salt-pitting, staining, and scratching resistance abilities.

It’s also 4 times stronger while still safe for use with other metal utensils.

The super-dense cooking surface with premium coating makes it more reliable in heat contribution as well as keeps its beauty looking for years to come. So, although the price is relatively expensive, it’s one of the best stainless steel cookware without aluminum that bangs for bucks.

Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware

You might already guess it, this cookware set is made in Portugal, consisting of 14 pieces.

The reason why I decided to add it to this list, despite the expensive price point, is because of the Tri-ply stainless steel construction.

It is designed to compatible with all cooktop surfaces and more significantly, to keep the 3-ring classic design lid securely in place, control the steam-flow, and mimic the functionality of cast iron while cooking.

I appreciate that there’s no discoloration happened in this cookware set, all thanks to the infused titanium with artisan polishing.

Pros

Made in Portugal – it ensures the quality

Control the steam-flow efficiently and keep the lids in place while cooking

Most durable cookware

Cuisinart 66-14N Stainless Steel Cookware

I tested the Cuisinart 66-14N to see if its hard-anodized exterior made it harder than stainless steel.

The whole set is highly wear-resistant and durable in my tests but the extra heft might quickly cause any weak wrists to fatigue if holding or flipping it for a long time.

In turn, both pots and pans give me truly professional performance, and each piece comes with a separate lid to cover. These lids are made of tempered glass, allowing for easy food monitoring while cooking, in addition to the tightly tapered rims for drip-free pouring.

One thing to note: While the steel hardware is oven-safe up to 500 degrees F, its lids are just 350 so don’t place them in any environment with higher heat than that as cracks might happen.

The final bonus for this set is its QuaTanium nonstick interior.

While other stainless steel cookware set features just a thin layer or nonstick which easily chips off after several times of use, this isn’t a thing. It is reinforced with Titanium for longer-lasting durability. Of course, with this feature, no butter or oil needed.

Calphalon Classic Pots and Pans Set Stainless Steel Cookware

It is constructed durably for reliable daily performance thanks to the impact-bonded aluminum bases and brushed stainless steel body.

The cookware heats up fast with even heat distribution and is safe for broiler, oven, stove, and dishwasher.

It emphasizes fill lines on the inside that makes measuring liquids much easier. And the double-riveted long, ergonomic handles help to lift whether heavy pots or pans more safely. The best thing is even when your cookware is fire-hot, the handle is still cool to touch. No smitten at all!

Potluck Stainless Steel Cookware

Potluck is a new cookware online startup in this industry but it has quickly received lots of positive feedback from worldwide customers, including many food scientists, cooking enthusiasts, and experts.

This Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set is one of the signature bestsellers of Potluck that shake up the traditional American cookware industry.

Every item has its utility that won’t go to waste and each of them is outer-layered by 403 stainless steel with magnetic SS, and 304 on the inside. In general, it is induction ready, corrosion-resistant, food-grade, and high-quality with weighty feel but not too heavy to be cumbersome.

The good news is this affordable set of pots and pans passed my weight tests with no discoloration.

Most versatile cookware

Cook N Home NC-00250 Stainless Steel Cookware

The Cook N Home NC-00250 is unusual among the cookware sets we looked at at a price point under $60.

It is made of beautifully mirror-polished 18/10 stainless steel with riveted handles that are cool to the touch and tempered glass lids oven-safe up to 350 degrees F. Thanks to this, all 12 pieces can be used on any cooktops, including halogen, ceramic, glass, electric, and gas.

They also work under a broiler up to 500 degrees F or in ovens.

I’m pleasantly surprised by how fast and evenly the heat is distributed to the entire bottom of this cookware set, making cooking so much easier.

While pots and pans are specifically designed to capably stack over each over for storage, each piece comes in a flat base to sit evenly on cooktops.

T-fal C511SE Stainless Steel Cookware

Note: Pay attention to the glass lids as they’re prone to crack under high temperature

Because the thermos spot and heat indicator are two wonderful additions, I decided to test the T-fal C511SE cookware set. Turn out it’s one of the best choices ever in life.

A common issue with stainless-steel cookware with aluminum base is they heat up super-fast, even on medium. Because of this, the added of thermos spot and heat indicator really helps avoid overheating the pan while preheating, which means no stuck or burnt food anymore.

The biggest selling point is safety design with an emphasis on no cadmium, no lead, and no PFOA. This set is completely recyclable, dishwasher-friendly, and can work in all types of heat sources (except induction cooking).

I also love the ergonomically designed, aesthetically color-matched handles with a comfortable grip. They are oven-safe up to 350 degrees F.

Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Cookware

The pans in this top-of-the-line cookware set continue to impress us with their perfectly even and fast heat contribution.

Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Cookware Set consists of 10 pieces: a 4-quart saute pan, an 8-quart stockpot, a 3-quart, and a 1.5-quart saucepan, and a steamer insert with lids. All of them are made of 18/10 stainless steel with aluminum core, which is truly good-looking and durable.

While the lids are securely fitted to trap in all-natural juice and heat for the best flavor results, its handles feature an open V-shaped design for better airflow and are riveted to be stronger.

The magnetic outer layer means it is induction compatible.

Pros

Durable and good looking

Deliver the best flavor results – securely fitted lids

Handles are cooler to hold by bare hands – they feature open V-shaped design

KitchenAid KC2TS10ST Stainless Steel Cookware

The 8” skillet of this KitchenAid KC2TS10ST 10 Piece Tri-Ply Cookware Set surprised me after testing.

While it can help you handle almost all of your cooking, the inner material is non-stick so cleaning up afterward is no problem.

Pots are another super-star when they work very well with low-rolling boils without getting overly aggressive.

With the added aluminum base that is oven-safe to 500 degrees F, they can be used on any stovetops, like induction, gas, and electric. The highlight point is they heat up in a reasonable amount of time so the entire cooking process is shortened significantly, especially when you have to prepare a big meal.

Pros

Multifunctional – includes 10 pieces of different sizes and shapes with a non-stick finish

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Stainless Steel Cookware In 2020

Types of stainless-steel

The stainless steel used in food equipment must be of a type in the 200 series, 300 series, or 400 series, according to the International Standard for Food Equipment Material.

The difference between them is:

200 series

This is the cheapest type of stainless-steel but still considered food-grade and safe in cooking. While it’s ideal for budget-minded people, take note that this material grade is prone to rust or corrode.

300 series

…which are also the most popular grade in the market. And, in the 300 series realm, there are two smaller categories – the 304 stainless-steel and the 316.

The 304 stainless-steel has 2 other forms which are 18/10 and 18/8 (the first number represents the amount of chromium present and the second refers to the nickel’s). In comparison, there’s no noticeable difference in performance between these two forms.

The 316 stainless-steel is different, containing:

2% molybdenum

10-14% nickel

16-18% chromium

It has less molybdenum than the 304, meaning for superior corrosion resistance abilities. And it’s considered as the high-end version at the obviously higher price range.

400 series

This stainless-steel grade is primarily used for cheaper stockpots, mixing bowls, and flatware. Its form is 18/0 equivalent to nickel-free and 18% chromium, which is incredibly perfect for people with allergies.

However, the biggest flaws of the 400 series are less shiny over the years and less corrosion-resistant.

Core materials

Although durable, stainless-steel is poor in terms of heat conductivity. That’s why the core of stainless-steel cookware is made of other materials, like cladding, copper, or aluminum to make up for that shortcoming.

The performance of these three materials depends on their thickness. The thicker the core material, the better the heat conductivity.

A few things to note:

For the same heat distribution, an aluminum core must be 3x thicker than the nickel, which means aluminum cookware will have a thicker base.

Cladding cookware is the most expensive whereas the aluminum is the most affordable

Only compare the same kinds of cookware if you use weight to determine the quality of them

Handles & lids

Aside from the metal quality, you should consider how durable the cookware’s lids and handles.

It’d be better to look for handles that are cool to the touch when cooking so that you can easily and safely move the pot/pan here to there. Also, focus on its material and durability. It should be easy to grip as well.

In terms of lids, always make sure the set includes them as some recipes require them for proper food cooking.

FAQs

What is the healthiest stainless steel cookware?

The All-Clad 10-Piece Brushed D5 Stainless 5-Ply Cookware Set

The nickel-free stainless steel cookware, which is easily found in the 400 series.

Which brand of cookware is the best?

Cook N Home

Cuisinart

Calphalon

Farberware

Kitchenaid

How good is stainless steel cookware?

Stainless-steel cookware is commonly durable, dishwasher-safe, various in price ranges, and nonreactive.

Why do chefs use stainless steel pans?

The Hestan NanoBond Stainless Steel 5-Piece Cookware Set

It’s because stainless-steel pans won’t leach into the food, prevent food from sticking, distribute heat evenly, and is completely indestructible.

What is the least toxic cookware?

Ceramic cookware is most likely safe to cook, especially at a higher temperature. Next are glass and Corningware, regular stoneware, cast iron, porcelain enamel, and stainless-steel.

When should we throw away non stick pans?

Every 5 years.

How do I know if my pans are Teflon?

The Potluck Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set

Teflon or non-stick pans have a very dark gray coating inside them, the metal is shiny, and there are probably some scratches shown inside the cookware.

Conclusion

Choosing the best stainless-steel cookware is like building up the cornerstone of your kitchen, you need to find a set that gives consistent heat distribution and is durable for years’ abuse.